NAN-S-4
Record
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, June 18, 2017 (NAN) Paul Kehinde, current paralympic world record holder in the -65kg men category, has boasted of shattering his record in the 2017 World Paralympics Championships scheduled for September.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kehinde, 29, broke world record with 220kg lift in the category in Rio 2016 Paralympics Games in Brazil.
The 2017 edition will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He told NAN in Lagos that he had engaged in an intensive training in gymnasium at the National Stadium, Lagos, to be able to win the competition.
“Experience has taught me a lot, and my coach has made it clear that I should not sit on my achievement, but increase the tempo of my training.
“A lot of people out there are expecting me to deliver in international championships, and I should not disappoint them.
That is the reason I am working hard.
“I know that I am a threat to my foreign counterparts because of my record. and they will be warming up to defeat me, but I will not relent in my efforts,’’ he said.
He appealed to Lagos State Government to emulate some states that rewarded their athletes who brought honour to the country in the 2016 Paralympic Games.
NAN reports that Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo rewarded three of the state’s athletes, who won gold medals in the 2016 Paralympic Games, with cars and money.
Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun also rewarded Latifat Tijani, a female athlete, and her coach with N1.5 million.
Tijani also made Nigeria proud in the Games.
“I am very happy for my colleagues, and I know that Lagos State governor will also remember us and put smiles on our faces,’’ Kehinde told NAN.
The Epe, Lagos-born paralympian, who also won gold medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said that such a reward would motivate him and other athletes to do more. (NAN)
MIL/KOLE/IGO
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(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ijeoma Popoola)